Fr. Sinnott Finally Released

COTABATO CITY, November 12, 2009-Fr. Michael Sinnott, the Columban missionary who was abducted October 11 in Pagadian City, was released around 4:30 this morning in Sangali, Zamboanga City.

The Irish missionary was turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to agents of the Philippine government.

The provincial superior of the Columban Missionaries, Fr. Patrick O'Donoghue, said that he received a call early this morning from his confreres in Ireland informing him of the release, but quickly added that he needs to confirm the report. He is presently in Pagadian City.

Early this month, the abductors linked to Islamic extremist Abu Sayyaf had demanded a ransom. But neither the Columban missionaries nor the Church gave in to the demand.

The MILF Vice Chair for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar denied early October that his group had any involvement in the kidnapping of the priest, but promised to help pressure the kidnappers for an early release.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines lauded authorities for the safe release of Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott after over a month in captivity.

CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the bishops are pleased with the resolution of the kidnapping of the 79-year old missionary.

"We appreciate and we are grateful to all those who worked for the release of Fr. Sinnott," he said.

"We are also hoping that a similar situation will not happen again. We have to treasure and be grateful to the missionaries working the people in Mindanao," Archbishop Lagdameo added.

Following the release, Archbishop Lagdameo said he is hoping the government will continue its peace efforts with the MILF.

As of this posting, Fr. Sinnott just arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Manila aboard a Philippine Air Force Fokker plane.

He was welcomed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo along with Irish Ambassador Richard O'Brian. (Melo Acuna/Roy Lagarde)